JSON
JavaScript Object Notation — a lightweight text format for structured data, the default payload format for modern APIs.
In long form.
JSON is human-readable, parses fast, and works in every language. Strict subset of JavaScript object syntax: keys must be quoted, no trailing commas, no comments, no functions. JSON5 and JSONC extend the syntax for config files (where humans need to write it). For larger or hot APIs, alternative formats can be faster: MessagePack and Protocol Buffers are binary and more compact; gRPC uses protobufs over HTTP/2.
JSON is the default for every API we ship. We only consider alternatives (Protobufs, MessagePack) when payload size or parse time becomes a measurable bottleneck — which is rare for typical web app traffic.
Talk to us about your engagement.
Discovery calls are free. Scope, timelines, and pricing are quoted after we understand what you’re solving.